8 things you’ll love about these Timbavati lodges

From breath taking vistas to feeling the lion’s roar on a guided safari tour, the Kruger National Park offers a wide variety for both the discerned luxury traveler and thrill seeking adventurer. With so many lodges and explorations waiting on the horizon, there’s only one problem: how do you decide where to go?

When it comes to affordability, Timbavati Private Nature can be delightfully inexpensive whilst offering you the Big 5 and the full nine yards of extravagance. Known as the home of the white lion, Timbavati is nestled between the Kruger National Park on the east and forms part of the Greater Kruger.

Apart from a “no fence” policy that allows for close encounters with giraffes, impalas, kudus, leopards and the critically endangered wild dog, there are a couple of Timbavati lodges that feature exclusivities and experiences to die for. Here are 8 you’ll love.

Motswari’s pool frequented by elephants

Motswari’s exquisite Geiger’s Camp is perched on a ridge featuring magnificent panoramic views of Big 5 terrain. But the pool is where wildlife and luxury really fuse at this unforgettable rustic safari camp. Apart from offering guests top shelf lip-smacking champagne, the pool is regularly visited by elephants who dip their trunks into the water for refreshing a splash.

The waterhole at Kambaku Lodge

Situated in the heart of the Timbavati, boasts unspoiled natural wilderness. More specifically, the entire property overlooks a waterhole which attracts members of the Big 5. Which means if you so happen to miss out on one of Kimbaku’s 3 hour games drives, you can still catch great wildlife from the comfort of your chalet or at their deck area sipping on a vodka martini. Brilliant.

The spirit of old world luxury adventure at Kings Camp

Kings Camp is luxury trip down memory lane, a mirror reflection of the old world and Africa’s colonial past. Imagine the distinct scent of thatch, Victorian ball-and-claw baths, heavy cast iron chandeliers and hospitality from a bygone era. Switch off your phone and you’ll be back in the late 1800’s.

The magic of an African night at Shindzela Tented Camp

Luxury aside, nothing is better than experiencing Africa out in the wild. Shindzela Tented Camp offers exactly that. The TripAdvisor 2014 winner’s “Hide Sleep Out” was built overlooking stretches of a watery dam and for dedicated nature enthusiasts who love sleeping under the stars. To add a bit of thrill, an armed ranger will accompany you on your overnight stay just in case the call of the wild comes to close…

The Drakensberg sunset atSimbavati Hilltop Lodge

As the name suggests, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge prides itself on magnificent views. Built on a small “koppie” with a village aesthetic, guests walk away with a view that lasts a lifetime – the African sun setting in the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. Can you ask for more? Yes. As an added bonus you get view of Nhlaralumi River and a 360 degree bar.

A walk amongst the Big 5 at Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Tanda Tula is celebrated by holidaymakers for occupying exclusive locations within the Eastern and Southern regions of the Timbavati Reserve. Even more exciting is their overnight walking safari that allows you to live out Africa on foot with a highly qualified ranger. The 12 kilometer (7.4 mile) Kruger walking safari starts in the day and concludes at an isolated sleep out hide on the banks of the Machaton River – where you can recap the best views of the day with a hearty dinner cooked in traditional ‘bush kitchen’ style.

Africa in David Livingstone style at Umlani Bushcamp

Simple luxury as intended by nature – words Umlani Bushcamp have taken to heart. The 16 guest rustic lodge offers exclusive ‘back to nature’ romance by operating without any electricity. Their cozy en-suite reed and thatch rondavels are lit by candlelight and oil lamps. If you ever wanted to escape to Africa in real David Livingstone style, this is it.

Breakfast under age old Jackalberry and Leadwood trees at Simbavati River Lodge

Dinner at Simbavati River Lodge is fantastic, but breakfast is absolutely stellar. In the mornings the Sun rays dance through age old Jackalberry and Leadwood trees covering the River Lodge’s gigantic wooden deck that hugs the Nhlaralumi River – a perfect holiday power up after a morning’s photographic safari. And in addition, the chef is known for making personal appearances at this 4-star contemporary lodge in the heart of Timbavati.